Ukraine Aid International (UAI)
Sister States Program – Connecticut & Donetsk
From Grassroots to Government: The Connecticut–Donetsk Sister State Alliance
On August 7, 2025, the State of Connecticut and Donetsk Oblast in Ukraine formally launched a historic Sister State partnership—marking the first agreement of its kind between a U.S. state and a region on the frontlines of war. Signed by Governor Ned Lamont and Governor Vadym Filashkin, and facilitated by Ukraine Aid International (UAI), the agreement reflects years of grassroots collaboration between communities in both regions. The ceremony took place with the full support and in the presence of Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Congressman John Larson, and mayors from all 14 Connecticut and Donetsk communities participating in existing Sister City partnerships. What began as a local movement of compassion has grown into an enduring public partnership rooted in solidarity, resilience, and shared democratic values.
Empowering Communities on the Frontlines
Ukraine Aid International (UAI) is a 501(c)(3) Connecticut-based non-profit organization that since February 2022, has delivered last-mile humanitarian aid to frontline towns in Eastern Ukraine.
Operating where larger NGOs cannot, UAI brings essential supplies – food, medical equipment, water filtration systems, heating supplies, shelter materials, and more – directly to civilians in urgent need.
Main areas of work:
- Humanitarian aid: over 300,000 people served with food, medical equipment, and generators.
- Water supply: 30+ filtration systems installed, serving 450,000+ people.
- Heat supply: two pellet production lines heating 25,000+ people.
- Transportation: 14 vehicles donated to four cities serving ~100,000 people.
- Psychological support: therapy camps for 300+ displaced children.
- Sister Cities Programs: US–Ukraine partnerships serving 300,000+ Ukrainians.
- Advocacy: Promoting Ukraine’s cause in the US and EU.
Sister Cities: Connecting American & Ukrainian Communities
The Memorandum of Friendship and Cooperation between the State of Connecticut and the Donetsk Region symbolizes shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.
- Community Engagement: 7 CT cities partnered with Ukrainian counterparts.
- Bonding for Peace: Supporting resilience and local initiatives across borders.
- Real Impact: Emergency response and long-term rebuilding efforts.
UAI Executive Director Marshall Mayer and Governor Vadym Filashkin of Donetsk
Historical Roots & Future Vision
Inspired by the people of Westport, CT, who came together for more than 20 years following the end of WWII to help rebuild Marigny-Le-Lozon in Normandy, France, UAI’s first sister city was a three-way partnership between Westport, Marigny, and Lyman (Donetsk).
Today, 7 Connecticut communities are part of UAI’s sister city initiative, now expanded into a full Sister State Program uniting Connecticut and Donetsk.
| American City | Ukrainian City |
|---|---|
| Westport, CT | Lyman, Donetsk Oblast |
| Ridgefield, CT | Druzhkivka, Donetsk Oblast |
| Weston, CT | Siversk, Donetsk Oblast |
| Easton, CT | Sviatohirsk, Donetsk Oblast |
| Fairfield, CT | Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast |
| Greenwich, CT | Izyum, Kharkiv Oblast |
| Stamford, CT | Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast |
Global Responsibility: Praise for UAI
“Every day, I see Ukrainians facing relentless attacks with remarkable resilience… We stand with Ukraine because Ukraine is fighting for all of us. We cannot give up now.”
“Easton has benefited greatly from this relationship… joint classrooms for our children… communication between seniors… all possible because of UAI.”
“To see people from the outside coming in and risking everything to tell them that the world is standing with them — that is the difference between defeat and victory.”
“Thank you for all the great work Ukraine Aid International is doing.”
Join Our Partnership & Make a Difference
Our mission depends on compassionate individuals and partners:
Get Involved
-
Individual Donors
Whether you’re inspired to make a one-time contribution or join our community of monthly supporters, your donation goes directly toward life-saving humanitarian aid—clean water, medical supplies, shelter, and more—for civilians in eastern Ukraine. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a tangible impact.
-
Corporate Partners
We welcome mission-aligned corporate partners to join us in building a more resilient future for war-affected communities. By supporting our Sister City initiatives, your company can demonstrate its commitment to ESG and CSR values while helping deliver critical aid on the ground. Partnership opportunities include program sponsorships, in-kind support, and employee matching campaigns.
-
New Sister Cities
Is your town or city in Connecticut ready to form a meaningful bond with a community in Donetsk Oblast? We’re actively seeking new Sister City partnerships to expand this grassroots movement of solidarity. Together, we can turn shared values into real-world support—bridging communities across borders and bringing hope where it’s needed most.
-
For New Sister States
The Sister State partnership between Connecticut and Donetsk Oblast is more than symbolic—it’s a powerful framework for public-private collaboration, humanitarian coordination, and international friendship. We invite other U.S. states and Ukrainian oblasts to explore similar agreements that formalize support and deepen cooperation. Our team is available to share best practices, facilitate introductions, and provide guidance on how to establish and activate a Sister State relationship.
-
For Members of the Press
We welcome journalists and media professionals interested in sharing the story of this unique, people-led movement connecting Connecticut with the frontlines of Ukraine. From profiles of volunteers to data-driven reporting on aid impact, we’re happy to provide interviews, high-resolution images, on-the-ground insights, and direct connections to Ukrainian and American community leaders.
📩 Contact us anytime at: contact@ukraineaidinternational.org
We’d love to hear from you!
Stand with Ukraine – Together, We Build a Future of Peace and Resilience.
Slava Ukraini!
